Bells University of Technology, Ota, Nigeria, officially embarked on a strategic partnership with the DePECOS Institutions and Development Research Centre (DIaDeRC) with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on May 30, 2025. The MOU was signed by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jeremiah O. Ojediran, RE (COREN), FNSE, FNAIE, IION, and the Chair of DIaDeRC: Prof. Evans Osauohien. The agreement is set to drive mutual growth in the academic and research capacities of both institutions, with a strong emphasis on strengthening research capabilities, particularly in the critical area of grantsmanship.
Under the terms of the five-year MoU, which includes provisions for renewal, both institutions have committed to co-hosting a series of impactful academic events. These joint activities will include workshops, seminars, conferences, and symposia focused on essential skills such as Grant Winning, Research Project Implementation, and Scholarly Dissemination. The primary objective is to equip the faculty and staff of Bells University with relevant skills to achieve academic excellence and enhance their participation in successful research endeavours.
DIaDeRC, an independent non-profit research centre registered in Nigeria in March 2023 by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) following approval from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) in November 2022, is dedicated to building and enhancing human capacity across Africa. Its mandate is to address low institutional and development indicators through focused research, training, development discourse (seminars/workshops), consultancy, and fostering networking and information dissemination among researchers and practitioners both within and outside the continent. The organization boasts a team of seasoned facilitators ready to lead the upcoming workshops.
The partnership will be overseen by a joint working committee, tasked with the effective implementation of the agreement’s key components. This collaboration promises to yield significant advancements in research and academic development.